The buzz when a band you have fallen in love through their live performances finally releases their debut project is palpable. Leeds six-piece Adult DVD are a band discovered through attending a one-day festival, the draw (in truth) being a completely different group. Adult DVD turned out to be the audience’s pick of the day, it was blindingly obvious from the smiles and bobbing heads in the crowd. A Pavlovian response was triggered whilst listening to their debut EP ‘Next Day Shipping’. I couldn’t keep still and realised I was grinning from ear to ear.
Latest single ‘Do Something’ opens proceedings and is indicative of Adult DVD. The sharp beeps and beats introduce the electronica coupled with lyrics which have a quirky edge to them: “Break dancing, on my head / Too many migraines, I gotta lay in bed.” The anxiety of wanting to do something but finding no fulfilment in an endless list of attempts is reflected in the continuing beats and synths throughout the track, but it’s all delivered at an upbeat, infectious pace. The party continues with ‘Hot Set’ which bounces along, here with the layers of guitars and drums further to the front. ‘Doomsday Prepper’ is a highlight. All funky vibes and a frankly hilarious monologue on preparations for the end of the world. The percussive elements and rabble rousing vocals backing lead singer Harry Hanson are pure joy. Is it possible to have comic timing in music? Of course it is. If the end of the world is on the horizon, this reviewer is straight round to Adult DVDs place
‘7 Foot 1’ tells of a horror of horror movies. It canters along and the key change midtrack is a delight, adding to its exuberance. It’s not always easy to decipher the instruments in Adult DVD’s music but to be honest who cares! The synths, guitars, bass and drums of the six-piece combine to create their own sound and the subject matter creates an off kilter view of the world. ‘Next Day Shipping’ closes with ‘Dogs In The Sun’, the synths and slightly distorted vocals jumping around with seriously laugh out loud lyrics: “I knew a ventriloquist, but she lied through her teeth.” It’s a slightly peculiar track lyrically, which perhaps is exactly the point.
Adult DVD bring the party vibes, its an utter joy to put this music on and dance like no-ones watching. ”Next Day Shipping’ has been on repeat and I suspect that won’t stop for a good bit yet. In these tumultuous times there is a need to escape into another world, and Adult DVD with this EP have provided an alternative universe to temporarily shake off any lingering blues.
8/10
Words: Julia Mason
Photo Credit: Matthew Henderson-Newbury
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